Local News in Brief : Picus Aide Arrested

An aide to Los Angeles City Councilwoman Joy Picus was accused Thursday of stealing more than $3,000 from an elderly constituent who had sought help in making a donation to the National Organization for Women in memory of his dead wife.

Carlotta Z. Olguin, 39, employed by Picus’ office for eight years, surrendered to police and was booked on suspicion of felony grand theft. She was released from the Van Nuys police station jail after posting $1,500 bail.

Olguin, whose job entailed working with senior citizen groups, had known the alleged victim, Jack Newman, 76, for four years. After the death of his wife, Newman sought Olguin’s help in donating the remainder of his savings account to NOW because his wife had been active in the group, said a spokesman for the district attorney’s office.

Olguin allegedly accompanied Newman to a Valley Federal Savings branch where he withdrew the money. But prosecutors say the money was deposited in Olguin’s account at a Bank of America branch rather than being sent to NOW.

Olguin, whose job included arranging bus transportation for senior citizens in the west San Fernando Valley, was placed on unpaid leave Wednesday, Picus said.